Meaning & Definition of Universal in English
English⟶
Universal
/junəvərsəl/
noun
1. (linguistics) a grammatical rule (or other linguistic feature) that is found in all languages
synonym:
- universal,
- linguistic universal
2. (logic) a proposition that asserts something of all members of a class
synonym:
- universal,
- universal proposition
3. A behavioral convention or pattern characteristic of all members of a particular culture or of all human beings
- "Some form of religion seems to be a human universal"
synonym:
- universal
4. Coupling that connects two rotating shafts allowing freedom of movement in all directions
- "In motor vehicles a universal joint allows the driveshaft to move up and down as the vehicle passes over bumps"
synonym:
- universal joint,
- universal
adjective
1. Of worldwide scope or applicability
- "An issue of cosmopolitan import"
- "The shrewdest political and ecumenical comment of our time"- christopher morley
- "Universal experience"
synonym:
- cosmopolitan,
- ecumenical,
- oecumenical,
- general,
- universal,
- worldwide,
- world-wide
2. Applicable to or common to all members of a group or set
- "The play opened to universal acclaim"
- "Rap enjoys universal appeal among teenage boys"
synonym:
- universal
3. Adapted to various purposes, sizes, forms, operations
- "Universal wrench", "universal chuck"
- "Universal screwdriver"
synonym:
- universal
Examples of using
Nelson Mandela was one of those rare people who manage to win universal acclaim throughout the world.
A group of American architects, product designers, engineers and scientists have developed the seven principles of universal design.
A ball-pen became a universal handwriting tool, replacing fountain pen.